Description |
Continental Currency May 10, 1775 $20 Fr. CC-9. PCGS Extremely Fine 45 Apparent, Serial no. 7663. The May 10, 1775 Session $20 Marbled Border note is one of the most stirring and iconic American paper money notes. The Continental Congress series notes commenced with this uniquely styled type. Its overall rarity and direct relationship to Benjamin Franklin's printing innovations make it highly sought after. Franklin furnished the well-crafted marbled polychrome paper used for the notes; the unique paper type was designed to deter counterfeiting. Franklin used a similar marbled paper for the United States loan certificates made near Paris to finance the late stages of the American Revolution. Most importantly, he sketched the inspired face and back emblems and mottos. They were later paired together on the May 10, 1775 Session $30 notes as well as on the backs of the $30 notes from three subsequent resolutions. On the face, within a pattern border, are the emblem at left and obligation at right. Across the top are the words, CONTINENTAL CURRENCY. The circular medallic emblem shows wind personified as a large face ruffling the water with his strength. The motto VI CONCITATE (Driven by force) is above, within the outer circle. The back, printed coin turn, has a wider pattern border and different emblem than the face. "Continental Currency'' is at top right, the denomination right center, and the imprint of Hall and Sellers at the bottom right. The back emblem at the left features ships on calm sea, with radiant sun shining above, encircled with the motto CESSANTE VENTO CONQUIESCEMUS (When the storm dies down we will rest). The notes were printed on sturdy, moderately thick paper with the marbled color border edge at left face. This paper type became fragile when creased and was subject to edge splits. There are not any fully Uncirculated notes known to us. The finest known is the PCGS Very Choice New 58 PPQ sold from the Poor Richard Collection in the Stack's Bowers 2011 ANA sale for $69,000 (serial No. 1652). This is an above average example. It is not split down the middle as often seen. The marbling is bold, but there is a small paper scrape upon it. Some central foxing is away from the Franklin-inspired emblems on each side. Noted with "Paper Pulls and Small Edge Tears at Left; Minor Stains; Missing UR Corner Tip." There are very few Marbled Border $20 notes that are fully intact such as this example, and it boasts a key pedigree. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman VII (Heritage Auctions, 10/2015, lot 18232), realized $5875.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |